How to Thaw a Frozen Water Pipe
If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, then it may be due to a frozen water pipe.
The most common place for a frozen water pipe is against exterior walls or where the water enters into your home through the foundation. In this blog post, we will discuss how to properly thaw a frozen water pipe.
Tips to Thaw a Frozen Water Pipe:
- Keep the faucet open
- Apply heat to the frozen section of pipe
- Continue to apply heat until water pressure is restored
Keep the Faucet Open
- As you begin to treat the frozen pipe, water will start to flow through the frozen area
- The running water will help to melt the ice
Apply Heat to the Section of Pipe
- Use an electric heating pad, electric hair dryer, portable space heater, or towels soaked in hot water to apply heat to the pipe
- Do not use a blowtorch, propane heater or other open flame device
Continue to Apply Heat Until the Water Pressure is Restored
- Continue to apply heat until the water pressure is fully restored
- If you are unable to locate or reach the part of the pipe that is frozen, you will need to call a licensed plumber
Future Prevention
- Insulate water pipes
- Disconnect water hose from outdoor spigot
- Insulate and heat drain lines
Insulate Water Pipes
- Insulating your water pipes will prevent cold moving air and it will keep your pipes dry
- This method alone does not prevent freezing
- This method helps to slow down the transfer rate of the heat to cold
Disconnect water hose from the outdoor spigot
- Before the temperature drops below freezing, always remember to disconnect the water hose from the outdoor spigot
- If the hose is not disconnected, the water inside can freeze and continue back into the spigot until it reaches the pipe
- Always remember, any pipe that is frozen can burst
Insulate and heat drain lines
- Insulating and heating your drain lines in cold crawl spaces and basements is especially important
- Focusing a heat lamp on the drain p-trap will prevent it from freezing
As a homeowner, preparing your water pipes from freezing should be on your to-do list before the cold season begins in Vancouver. The preventative steps will ensure your home stays warm, dry and damage-free when the temperate drops below freezing.
A frozen water pipe burst can turn a cozy night in your home into a bad situation, fast. If you think you have a frozen water pipe, call your local heating and plumbing experts from Universal Plumbing and Heating.
We offer 24/7 emergency repair services. Call us today at 604-873-3551.
